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Casefic Exchange 2026
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forsworn. I requested fic in three fandoms. Some fandoms have a lot of ships/info, others have less, but I love everything I requested and would be excited for any of it. Treats are welcome!
The things I generally appreciate in casefic are:
The process of deduction, as a reader. Playing detective, theorising about the case, putting together the clues (and red herrings), figuring out the answer.
The characters getting an opportunity to shine. Using their individual skills to overcome obstacles, trying hard and succeeding, being clever and competent (or having a hilarious fail moment - but winning in the end).
The themes of the case resonating with the characters' hopes, fears, or traumas, allowing them an opportunity to discuss, confront, and/or overcome them.
Navigation: DNWs | General Likes | Hurt/Comfort Likes | Smut Likes
DNDHAT: Doric/Xenk | Edgin/Doric | Edgin/Xenk | Simon/Edgin | Simon/Xenk
Henry Danger: Henry & Piper | Henry/Ray
Rufus: Kat/Rufus | Manny & Rufus
DNWs:
General Likes:
Hurt/Comfort Likes:
Smut Likes:
Doric/Xenk Yendar
We don't really get any focused moments between these two in the film, but Doric actually seems like the least hostile to Xenk from the beginning - ironic considering her stance on humans started as "hateful and selfish" and "just can't help but lie"... but then Xenk and his ridiculous paladin goodness are so obviously the opposite of that! If Xenk joined the party for further adventures, I like to imagine they'd become good friends, and then fall in love (maybe after mutually pining).
I love Doric's combination of a sharp tongue with her moral integrity and intense environmental concern, and how that contrasts and blends with Xenk's stern intensity, his awkward ways, and his own intense sense of justice and goodness. They're both visibly outsiders in ways the others aren't, so maybe they would have a natural understanding - or they'd bond over the angst of losing their families because of it. And between their outsider status and Xenk's sense of duty, I tend to imagine they're both virgins.
(Please don't mention Simon and Doric breaking up. I'd rather you give them an open relationship, make it an AU where they were never into each other, or just ignore that ship altogether.)
Suggested case types:
Heists, reverse heists. Dungeon delving. Investigating a theft. Tracking down a missing person. Going undercover for information. Going undercover for a heist. Infiltrating a masquerade ball. Investigating the spookiness at a spooky location. Retrieving a magical artifact. Breaking a curse. Escaping after being captured.
Suggested case themes:
Involving Doric: Threats to nature or the environment. Friendly animals. Inventive wildshaping. Anti-tiefling prejudice. Outsiders finding acceptance. Hiding or revealing one's true form, or being forced to do so.
Involving Xenk: Red Wizards, other necromancers, other necromancy victims. Aftereffects of the Beckoning Death, encountering other dark magic. Good paladins, corrupt paladins, paladin vows. Holding to principles in the face of moral dilemmas. Magical artifacts with an unexpected sting in the tail. Anti-Thayan prejudice.
Any: Undercover as a couple. Magically handcuffed together.
You're welcome to use only magic and creatures and solutions that are possible in-game, if sticking to the bounds of D&D brings you joy - but also feel free to invent whatever new spells and mechanisms and situations you need for your story if that suits you better!
Edgin Darvis/Doric
While trying to recruit her, Edgin was definitely using all his charm (although not in a sexual way) but Doric seemed utterly immune to it. I loved the tender moment when Edgin was sitting on the rock on the beach: his little smile as she walked over, the way she gently patted his shoulder and he patted hers in return, and she smiled back. Maybe his charm would be more welcome now they have a genuine connection, or maybe she'd be the one to instigate it.
I love that Doric is so committed to doing good and looking after nature, but that she doesn't let the rules stand in her way. And she has a very sharp tongue, in contrast to Edgin's silver one. Edgin thinks of himself as a thief and a lawbreaker, and is maybe trying to pretend he doesn't enjoy doing good as much as he actually does. He uses humour and a charming mask to hide his pain, but Doric absolutely doesn't fall for it - even if she'll be soft when he finally lets himself be vulnerable. But is she prepared to be vulnerable in return?
(Please don't mention Simon and Doric breaking up. I'd rather you give them an open relationship, make it an AU where they were never into each other, or just ignore that ship altogether.)
Suggested case types:
Heists, reverse heists. Dungeon delving. Investigating a theft. Tracking down a missing person. Going undercover for information. Going undercover for a heist. Infiltrating a masquerade ball. Investigating the spookiness at a spooky location. Retrieving a magical artifact. Breaking a curse. Escaping after being captured.
Suggested case themes:
Involving Doric: Threats to nature or the environment. Friendly animals. Inventive wildshaping. Anti-tiefling prejudice. Outsiders finding acceptance. Hiding or revealing one's true form, or being forced to do so.
Involving Edgin: A father separated from his daughter. A daughter separated from her father. Good Harpers, corrupt Harpers. Suspiciously charming bards. Music as magic, music as solution. Ghosts of lost loved ones, metaphorical or literal.
Any: Undercover as a couple. Magically handcuffed together.
You're welcome to use only magic and creatures and solutions that are possible in-game, if sticking to the bounds of D&D brings you joy - but also feel free to invent whatever new spells and mechanisms and situations you need for your story if that suits you better!
Edgin Darvis/Xenk Yendar
These two have such a great dynamic. I love their banter and how they spark with each other - Xenk and his literal mind bouncing off Edgin's usual wordplay, still prompting smiles in each other, even as they clash over Edgin's thievery and Xenk's paladin ways. That contrast somehow settles to a comfortable blend, with Edgin reluctant for Xenk to leave. And I love how touchyfeely they are - Edgin in general, and Xenk with all his (offers of) handholding... Pressing his hand to Edgin's on the Harper's seal, pulling him up after saving him, their earnest handshake as they prepare to part. So much touching! And so much banter! But they also challenge each other to grow, and I'd love to see how their relationship develops after the film, with a softer friendship blossoming into romance.
Despite his 20 minutes of screentime, Edgin's narrative arc is so bound up with Xenk. Edgin's been projecting this image of a cheerful, charming leader for so long, hiding his deep trauma over Zia with quips and songs. He's focused all of his pain into hating the Red Wizards, blaming Thayans for his loss - maybe because it's easier than blaming himself. But then he meets Xenk, a Thayan so noble and innocent that it shatters Edgin's foundation. And Edgin can't even console himself with the idea that anyone in his position would've been tempted by that gold - because again, Xenk is so pure and moral, and proves that people can be better. Even makes Edgin promise to be more than a common thief, reigniting his old Harper heroism. Xenk is the pivot point of Edgin's growth and healing.
Xenk's own angst is mostly implied, a subtext to the fascinating details we get. He's a paladin, a holy warrior, so strict in protecting others - but he's also a Thayan, a hated outsider, visibly marked by necromantic magic. I love the tension in him being both blessed and cursed. Does Xenk feel the need to be the perfect paladin to balance out the terrible opinions people have about Thayans? Once people have accepted his cursed nature, do they tend to place him on a pedestal, glorifying him as a legendary paladin instead? He glides away from the crowd's praise after saving that catbaby; his retort to Edgin's anti-Thayan sentiment is not to defend himself, but to speak of other Thayans, innocents turned into monsters. Does he think of himself as a monster? But Xenk is so kind and caring, risking himself to save Edgin - and so stern and serious, rigidly sticking to his moral framework. Does he feel bound by his duty, by his paladin vows - even to the point of repressing his own wants, needs and hopes? Does he feel he has to earn his own humanity, by so harshly rejecting his own partially undead nature, by being such a paragon of virtue? Does Xenk feel like he can't be less than perfect? Maybe his insistence that Edgin can be a better man is a reflection of Xenk's need to believe in his own goodness.
With all of those worries swirling around, these two could slip so deep into mutual pining. Maybe Xenk thinks he can't be with anyone because of his duty as a paladin, or because the Beckoning Death has left him cursed, partially undead, lacking part of his soul, etc. Maybe Edgin finds out Xenk is a virgin and assumes the guy isn't interested in sex at all. (I do headcanon Xenk as a virgin.) Or Edgin thinks Xenk's too noble and pure to want a criminal like him, or thinks Xenk wants someone more serious or more intellectual. Xenk thinking Edgin's too charming and sociable to want someone as awkward and unbending as him... I love the angsty possibilities of all this, the two of them keeping their feelings secret even as they're practically bursting with longing. And when combined with their touchyfeely natures - they must be torturing each other!
Established relationship and getting together both welcome. Edgin's lingering angst over Zia is fine. I'm open to both autistic Xenk and/or ADHD Edgin, or neurotypical depictions. I mainly see Xenk as being sworn to justice, as a general concept, rather than a specific god - but feel free to pick one, if it suits the themes of your work. (Like, Ilmater is a great choice if Xenk is suffering, whether in whump or in sexy painplay.) And feel free to include any or all of the party!
Suggested case types:
Heists, reverse heists. Dungeon delving. Investigating a theft. Tracking down a missing person. Going undercover for information. Going undercover for a heist. Infiltrating a masquerade ball. Investigating the spookiness at a spooky location. Retrieving a magical artifact. Breaking a curse. Escaping after being captured.
Suggested case themes:
Involving Edgin: A father separated from his daughter. A daughter separated from her father. Good Harpers, corrupt Harpers. Suspiciously charming bards. Music as magic, music as solution. Ghosts of lost loved ones, metaphorical or literal.
Involving Xenk: Red Wizards, other necromancers, other necromancy victims. Aftereffects of the Beckoning Death, encountering other dark magic. Good paladins, corrupt paladins, paladin vows. Holding to principles in the face of moral dilemmas. Magical artifacts with an unexpected sting in the tail. Anti-Thayan prejudice.
Any: Undercover as a couple. Magically handcuffed together.
You're welcome to use only magic and creatures and solutions that are possible in-game, if sticking to the bounds of D&D brings you joy - but also feel free to invent whatever new spells and mechanisms and situations you need for your story if that suits you better!
Simon Aumar/Edgin Darvis
I love how Edgin is absolutely convinced of Simon's potential badassery (he has a mental list of all the times Simon's magic worked!) and how he's determined to make Simon believe it too - and this, for some reason, involves touching Simon's face a lot. Simon is awkward and sulky in the face of this, even though he's perfectly willing to trust Edgin and follow his lead in other areas - maybe Simon is pining, and can't let himself believe that Edgin cares about him, or is worried about opening his heart? Depending on the situation, maybe Edgin feels too weird about the age difference, and doesn't want to take advantage of Simon... until something pushes them together. Could be post-canon, or a missing adventure any time from Simon first joining Edgin's crew of thieves up to Korinn's Keep.
(Please don't mention Simon and Doric breaking up. I'd rather you give them an open relationship, make it an AU where they were never into each other, or just ignore that ship altogether.)
Suggested case types:
Heists, reverse heists. Dungeon delving. Investigating a theft. Tracking down a missing person. Going undercover for information. Going undercover for a heist. Infiltrating a masquerade ball. Investigating the spookiness at a spooky location. Retrieving a magical artifact. Breaking a curse. Escaping after being captured.
Suggested case themes:
Involving Edgin: A father separated from his daughter. A daughter separated from her father. Good Harpers, corrupt Harpers. Suspiciously charming bards. Music as magic, music as solution. Ghosts of lost loved ones, metaphorical or literal.
Involving Simon: Aumar family members, Aumar family legacy. Successful wizards. The struggles of sorcery. Successful sorcerers. Giant magical libraries, lost libraries. Cursed with bad luck. Self-esteem as charm magic, charm magic from enchanted mirror.
Any: Undercover as a couple. Magically handcuffed together.
You're welcome to use only magic and creatures and solutions that are possible in-game, if sticking to the bounds of D&D brings you joy - but also feel free to invent whatever new spells and mechanisms and situations you need for your story if that suits you better!
Simon Aumar/Xenk Yendar
In the film, Simon mostly seems to get on Xenk's nerves (being sarcastic! destroying the bridge!) but he's not doing it on purpose and I really think if they spent more time together they could become good friends - and then fall in love. Despite his initial jealousy, Simon is eager for Xenk to stay at the end. Under his sarcasm, his awkwardness, and his occasional sulkiness, Simon is rather sweet and kinda adorable. And once you see past his stern manner and paladin morals, Xenk is kind and actually sorta awkward too.
I like the idea that they're both a bit dorky, deeply interested in niche subjects, in a way none of the others understand. But I think they could find some common ground. But maybe Simon worries that Xenk doesn't like him, or doesn't respect him? And Xenk isn't great at social interaction, so he might not realise Simon feels that way, or might not know how to explain that he actually does care. I can see them both as virgins (due to Simon's awkwardness and Xenk's duty/angst) and maybe worries about intimacy would result in mutual pining?
(Please don't mention Simon and Doric breaking up. I'd rather you give them an open relationship, make it an AU where they were never into each other, or just ignore that ship altogether.)
Suggested case types:
Heists, reverse heists. Dungeon delving. Investigating a theft. Tracking down a missing person. Going undercover for information. Going undercover for a heist. Infiltrating a masquerade ball. Investigating the spookiness at a spooky location. Retrieving a magical artifact. Breaking a curse. Escaping after being captured.
Suggested case themes:
Involving Simon: Aumar family members, Aumar family legacy. Successful wizards. The struggles of sorcery. Successful sorcerers. Giant magical libraries, lost libraries. Cursed with bad luck. Self-esteem as charm magic, charm magic from enchanted mirror.
Involving Xenk: Red Wizards, other necromancers, other necromancy victims. Aftereffects of the Beckoning Death, encountering other dark magic. Good paladins, corrupt paladins, paladin vows. Holding to principles in the face of moral dilemmas. Magical artifacts with an unexpected sting in the tail. Anti-Thayan prejudice.
Any: Undercover as a couple. Magically handcuffed together.
You're welcome to use only magic and creatures and solutions that are possible in-game, if sticking to the bounds of D&D brings you joy - but also feel free to invent whatever new spells and mechanisms and situations you need for your story if that suits you better!
Henry Hart & Piper Hart
Across the seasons and as they grow, these two go through so many stages, and I'm fascinated by all of them. Intially, Piper is the screechy, volatile foil to goofy, earnest Henry - the tattletale that threatens his exciting new job, but also the anchor of his protective urges. As Henry settles into being a sidekick, he grows in confidence - more openly fond of her, more prone to flashes of mischief, even as he becomes more secretive and scarred; while Piper learns to control her outbursts, becoming more emotionally steady, settling into scathing wit and calmer demands - that playful annoyance blending to a fresh balance between them. Then as the stress and trauma really starts to weigh on Henry, his personal life suffering under the burdens of his superhero duties, Piper blooms to a new maturity - confident and polished as a popular influencer, rising as he struggles. And finally, when Piper becomes Henry's confidante at last, her forceful personality and frustrating persistence make her a practical and reliable ally - just as her brother faces his biggest tests. I have so many feelings about it all. Their sibling relationship feels so real to me - sometimes fighting, often bickering, usually weary of each other, but always backed by an unshakeable foundation of affection.
Henry's care for Piper is especially obvious and I find that adorable. For a cheeky teenage boy, he tells Piper he loves her surprisingly often - and surprisingly sincerely. Whenever Piper is threatened, Henry is immediately horrified and desperate to save her; he's a superhero sidekick who saves people every day, but Piper is the one he's most consistently (and most intensely) protective of. No matter how much she gets on his nerves, when Piper really needs him Henry will leap to her defence. And when she's sad, Henry is soft and tenderly reassuring, even when he still fears her temper - his gentle talk with her at the start of JAM Session is so cute. Despite their friction, Piper really brings out his sweet side. Carefully supporting her in Spoiler Alert! Coaching her basketball team! Guiding her when she's sleepwalking in Holey Moley! Breaking down in Danger Games after zapping her! I just love how much he loves her, even when she makes it hard, even when his life is hard.
Obviously their parents and the wider Hart family dynamic influences their sibling relationship. The plot demands that Kris and Jake be oblivious, because otherwise Henry couldn't hide his secret life, and that neglect is played for comedy - but that undercurrent has real impact on their children's personalities. Kris and Jake are inconsistent with both affection and discipline - sometimes draconian, sometimes permissive, sometimes loving, sometimes distant. Not only do they take days to notice one of their kids has vanished, but they're often absent themselves, physically or emotionally - Kris is frequently away, clearly cheating on Jake. Sometimes they force their kids to act like the parents. And sometimes they rise above the sitcom jokery to undeniably horrible treatment: in Charlotte Gets Ghosted, we're told they shut Henry and Piper in one bedroom, gave them food then confiscated that food, leaving them locked in together overnight, just to throw a party. The show might dance around it, Kris and Jake may frequently be amusing, but they are not good parents. Is it any wonder that Piper is so unruly, so desperate for attention, so judgemental of Henry when she grew up in that atmosphere?
Piper is such an abrasive character but I genuinely love her, even when she's being a brat. She is just always so completely herself. But under that bravado, there's a heart-tugging vulnerability - she's aching for affection, for validation, so concerned with chasing superficial status and ephemeral fame that she rebuffs her brother's earnest tenderness. I have so many feelings about that scene where Henry shows Piper his Fred Lobster shirt, so eager to display his pride in her, but she can't see the gesture as anything but deeply uncool - yet still gleefully clasps his hand when her commercial comes on. There's such a great tension in Piper worshipping the cool hero Kid Danger while dismissing Henry as a tragic dork - and it's only when she learns his secret that she can really understand and appreciate the whole person her brother is. And I love the bond they develop after that - it's so good to see them just hanging out and drinking soda together in Remember the Crimes. But even before that, while Henry is mostly the one showing affection, Piper does have her moments - like offering to invite her friends so he can throw a cooler party. And whenever he comforts her and she opens up to him, that shows how deeply she trusts him. Who else in her life has earned that? And she might not know it, but he's also the person she'll eagerly go to bat for - jumping into the firing line to help Kid Danger in Spoiler Alert, Stuck in Two Holes, Diamonds are for Heather, The Great Cactus Con... and even moreso once she joins the team. Their relationship is tender, messy, supportive, challenging, ever changing, always strong - I love all of those aspects separately, and in combination, at every stage we see across the years.
This show often has its characters behave callously for comedic effect - being dismissive, ignoring hurts - and I'm fine with a little of that. But ultimately I want to feel that they care about each other, even if Piper is being bratty - or Henry is frustrated with her. Likewise I'm fine with comedic portrayals of their parents, ignoring the dark subtext there, but you're also welcome to depict Kris and Jake as neglectful and/or emotionally abusive. (Up to the level of Charlotte Gets Ghosted, or thereabouts; I'd prefer it not be unrelentingly dark though, as I think it's important that Kris and Jake can be affectionate at other times, even if the better periods are only implied.) But I DNW any mention of young Piper's crush on Kid Danger, even as a joke; please pretend that never happened. Platonic affection is great though - from casual "love you!"s, to meaningful ones, to holding hands, cheek kisses or forehead kisses, hugs or cuddling - there's some of that in canon, but you're welcome to push it further. Even Piper trying to soothe an injured Henry, or Henry carrying an injured Piper in his arms - you can go harder on the hurt than Nickelodeon could, but please no gore or anything really terrible happening, especially to young Piper. You're welcome to set this at any point during the show, or Henry's time in Dystopia, or even post-movie - I just want more of Henry and Piper being siblings. But feel free to include the rest of the Man Cave crew too!
Suggested case types:
Investigating a theft. Investigating weird events around Swellview. Going undercover for information. Stakeouts. Tracking down a missing person. Rescuing a kidnapped teammate.
Breaking into a villain's fortified lair. Escaping after being captured. Proving innocence after being framed for villainy.
Suggested case themes:
Involving Henry: The tension of normal life vs superhero life. Little blond kids that need protecting. Wanting to protect Piper. Permanent loss of hypermotility, temporary loss of forcefield. Anxiety pollen. Coming of age. Flower knowledge.
Involving Piper: Superheroism without superpowers. Internet savviness. Driver's license. Police contacts, criminal contacts. The Man Fans being unhelpfully helpful, the Man Fans getting dangerously close to the truth. The two sides of Henry, helping hide Henry's identity, creating her own superhero identity. Rescuing Ray.
Any: Neglectful parents, irresponsible parents. Traumatised superheroes.
As the case will require them to work together, I'd prefer Piper to know Henry is Kid Danger - but if you want to include an AU discovery where she finds out at a younger age, that's totally fine. And if Piper needs an excuse to be publicly helping Kid Danger, she could do that in her capacity as President of the Man Fans, or disguise herself as Rolling Thunder (preferably minus the rollerskates), or to create a new and fully fledged superhero identity (maybe with her own gumballs from Schwoz).
My fave canon villains are:
Drex, for genuine peril, and existential threats to Henry's role as sidekick
Jeff, for light-hearted comedic plots
Dr Minyak, for a balance between comedy and medium peril
Also Rick Twitler for intellectual machinations, Frankini and Goomer for tropey campness, Kyle for Henry having a great time...
But feel free to invent your own original villain that fits the themes/plot of the story you want to tell!
This show already has some stupid science so don't feel like you need to be realistic and accurate here. From the background stuff like zapping and gumballs, which they use all the time and never explain, to plot-crucial things like zeridium as a power source, I will happily roll with it. If you tell me the Donkatron needs to be sprayed with iodine to stabilise the neutron flow, I am ready to see how my blorbos break into the villain's lair with iodine bottle in hand. As long as the story follows the logic you establish, it doesn't need to follow real world logic - unless you want it to.
Henry Hart/Ray Manchester
Whatever's going on here, these two are clearly more than hero and sidekick. They can't keep their hands off each other - touching shoulders, clutching wrists, hugging - and they're both blase about Henry climbing across Ray's body. They're completely on each other's wavelength, always quipping and egging each other on. They're a team, they're in their own world, separate from everyone else and special to each other. They literally say "I love you"! The shippy vibes start ridic and just continually escalate, it's unhinged. So many times I've paused to go "wait, did they really" - and yes, they really. None of this was an accident. By the Danger Force era, it might be played for laughs, but it's clearly not a joke. Henry and Ray is framed as a romance and we're meant to see it.
The first episode says Henry is completely average, but he's clearly so much more. He's charming, though often goofy. He's not a genius, but he's adaptable and quick on his feet. He's sweet and caring, though sometimes smug. And he's brave, even self-sacrificing, giving up his childhood to be Kid Danger - willing to give his life for Ray. Plus, like, you've seen grown up Henry, right? Holy shit, no wonder Ray drools all over himself.
Ray is weirdly likeable, though he's immature, arrogant, volatile and selfish - often oblivious or thoughtless, but rarely malicious. I'd prefer a "jerk with a heart of gold" interpretation; I don't want him taking advantage of Henry on purpose. When crunchtime comes, he will put others first - before Henry threw him off that blimp, Ray was insistent he'd be the martyr. And under that manchild veneer, I think there's complexity lurking. After being densitised at eight years old, Ray's father isolated him for superhero training. Does that mean he has difficulty relating to anyone outside of a hero-rescuee structure? Does being so removed mean he struggles with empathy? Maybe it explains why he's so afraid of ageing - he doesn't want to admit that the childhood he never had is over - and why his scale of what's appropriate for a teenage sidekick is so, well, inappropriate.
This show often has its characters behave callously for comedic effect - being dismissive, ignoring hurts - and I'm fine with a little of that. But ultimately I want to feel that they care about each other, so please have them be kind if the problem is serious. (This applies to Charlotte, Jasper, Schwoz and Piper too - and you're welcome to include any of them. Though please not Piper's crush on Kid Danger.) I don't want Henry and Ray getting together before Henry is 17 (though it's fine if Henry has feelings before that) and I don't want them having sex before Henry is 18 (though kissing is welcome). Ray reflexively calling Henry "kid" is fine, even during sex, as long as it's clear Henry is an adult - though if it is during sex, I'd expect Henry to disapprove. (I'm not looking for ageplay or agekink here.) But I'm fine with acknowledging there are unhealthy aspects to their relationship, and the age difference, though I don't want it to be damaging - I want to believe they can build something positive. And if that's unrealistic, well, it's a show about superheroes. Getting together and established relationship both welcome, and I'm fine with your work being set during Danger Force - or an AU where Henry never went to Dystopia.
Suggested case types:
Investigating a theft. Investigating weird events around Swellview. Going undercover for information. Stakeouts. Tracking down a missing person. Rescuing a kidnapped teammate.
Breaking into a villain's fortified lair. Escaping after being captured. Proving innocence after being framed for villainy.
Suggested case themes:
Involving Henry: The tension of normal life vs superhero life. Little blond kids that need protecting. Wanting to protect Piper. Permanent loss of hypermotility, temporary loss of forcefield. Anxiety pollen. Coming of age. Flower knowledge.
Involving Ray: Irresponsible scientists. Isolated children, missed childhoods. Stupid disguises, silly costumes, cool and attractive costumes. Undercover as a couple. Magically handcuffed together. Temporary loss of indestructibility. Truth serum, vulnerable honesty. Rescuing Piper.
Any: Neglectful parents, irresponsible parents. Traumatised superheroes.
My fave canon villains are:
Drex, for genuine peril, and existential threats to Henry/Ray's sidekick-superhero status
Jeff, for light-hearted comedic plots
Dr Minyak, for a balance between comedy and medium peril
Also Rick Twitler for intellectual machinations, Frankini and Goomer for tropey campness, Kyle for Henry having a great time...
But feel free to invent your own original villain that fits the themes/plot of the story you want to tell!
This show already has some stupid science so don't feel like you need to be realistic and accurate here. From the background stuff like zapping and gumballs, which they use all the time and never explain, to plot-crucial things like zeridium as a power source, I will happily roll with it. If you tell me the Donkatron needs to be sprayed with iodine to stabilise the neutron flow, I am ready to see how my blorbos break into the villain's lair with iodine bottle in hand. As long as the story follows the logic you establish, it doesn't need to follow real world logic - unless you want it to.
Kat/Rufus
Literal black cat/golden retriever couple! Well, okay, golden labrador. But these two are adorable and they have such soft, fun chemistry. I love how aloof, dismissive Kat slowly warms up to Rufus as she learns to set her prejudices aside and enjoy who he really is - and how she becomes a more sincere, dependable, affectionate figure herself, that harshness and scheming melting to an intelligent and practical ally. Most of her feline traits blend with being a human teenager better than Rufus's canine ones - but I think it's cute when she lets the weirder ones shine through.
Rufus is so earnest and enthusiastic, and he's open about his interest in Kat right from the beginning. But his worries about driving her away cause him to mask his doggy urges - a pointless endeavour when Kat knows his secret all along. It's only when he lets his actual personality shine - his bravery, his loyalty, his goofy joy - that he wins her over for real. Not only is dropping the pretense healthier for both of them, but indulging their animal traits together is when they become most supportive and comfortable - they think they're opposites, but they actually fit together perfectly, understanding each other in a way neither the humans nor the other animals in their lives do. I love them playing in the yarn shop together: proof that they can connect and have genuine fun as a couple. Kat rubbing her cheek on Rufus's shoulder and purring is so cute, likewise Rufus's flustered moment near the end when Kat turns back into a girl in his arms. Even if their animal behaviours look objectively odd on human teenagers, I find the sincerity of it really appealing.
These movies both fully indulge the wackiness of the premise, but also allow the characters to have grounded and realistic feelings about the events, and I love that combo. But feel free to lean towards the silliness for some comedic fluff, or to focus on their emotions for something angsty or hurt/comfort. (I'm not a fan of embarrassment humour, but luckily the other kids love the doggy hijinks and Rufus seems to be immune to embarrassment anyway - so if you stick to that vibe, it should be fine.) No sexual content please, even implied, even if they're aged up and in human form. But closed-mouth kissing as humans is fine, and holding hands, cuddling, hair stroking, etc. Also fine with dog Rufus licking Kat's face and/or cat Kat grooming Rufus. Please don't have either one of them get stuck as an animal forever though, and no references to their animal lifespans either. But feel free to include Manny, Paige, Mr and Mrs Garcia, and so on, and background Manny/Paige is welcome as well.
Suggested case types:
Investigating a theft. Investigating weird events. Going undercover for information. Rescuing a kidnapped loved one. Escaping after being captured. Retrieving a stolen amulet. Breaking a curse.
Suggested case themes:
Involving Kat: Dependable dogs, morally grey cats. The Clowder, the Cat Elders. Navigating human society to interview witnesses or go undercover. Rescuing Manny and/or Paige.
Involving Rufus: Dog senses, dog society. Trustworthy strangers, untrustworthy strangers, loyalty and betrayals. Self repression and masking. Normal kid experiences.
Any: Dragon magic. Powers of the amulets. Previous owners of Rufus's amulet.
Manny Garcia & Rufus
I didn't expect to get so invested in their friendship but I have so many feelings about them. Rufus is so incredibly earnest, a real bundle of enthusiasm and joy as he soaks up all these newly possible experiences. The way his doggy traits translate to his human form make him an adorable oddball - it's so strange to see a teenage boy pleading for treats, nuzzling into scritches, lighting up when he sees a ball... but he's so intensely genuine about expressing his feelings that it all becomes sweet. He's also keen to pick up human ways, to keep the ruse going, but he's so irrepressibly canine that he's constantly doing the "wrong" thing - but his sincerity always makes it the right thing, at least with his favourite people. He's playful, affectionate, brave, and loyal - Rufus is a very good boy, even when he's not very good at being a boy.
Manny is the straight man to Rufus's weirdness, but he has some goofy humour of his own, a quieter kind of charisma, and he's brave and practical in the face of danger. And he has a touching vulnerability about his social position, with his insecurities leading him to hurtful words - but he's not too proud to admit his flaws, quickly apologising when he sees he was wrong. He's not a dazzling figure like Rufus, but Manny is sweet and likeable. And, let's be honest, pretty patient with Rufus's relentless energy.
These two clearly love just hanging out, playing together, spending time together. Under their unusual dog-owner dynamic, there's a strong emotional connection - one that surpasses species. Rufus is completely about Manny: he's found his best friend and he's all in on that. When he turns into a boy, Rufus uses that to gain more time with Manny, to support him in his social struggles. When he becomes the centre of attention, Rufus soaks it up - and sends it all back in Manny's direction. He's so loyal that the idea of disloyalty doesn't even exist for him. It's just so dog. But there is a sharp edge to Rufus's intense affection: he's so hungry for Manny's attention that it must be wearying sometimes. And Manny is in the impossible position of needing to maintain discipline with a pet that has opposable thumbs, no verbal filter, and puppy dog eyes that are somehow even bigger in human form - but despite the canine whirlwind of chaos, Manny is desperate not to lose any part of what they have, tearfully begging Rufus to be alright when he thinks the dart hit him.
I love how these movies both fully indulge the wackiness of the premise, but also allow the characters to have grounded and realistic feelings about the events. Feel free to lean towards the silliness for some comedic fluff, or to focus on their emotions for something angsty or hurt/comfort. (I'm not a fan of embarrassment humour, but luckily the other kids love the doggy hijinks and Rufus seems to be immune to embarrassment anyway - so if you stick to that vibe, it should be fine.) I'm also interested in the tension between the two ends of that spectrum: some doggy traits are objectively weird when Rufus is in boy form, and Manny could easily find those interactions both awkward and tenderly affectionate - like stroking Rufus's hair to comfort him even if he's a boy. I'd love to see Manny hesitantly indulging those things, embracing some of Rufus's lack of shame, letting them find meaningful connection in it. But please, no sexual content (even implied), nothing about Rufus's doggy lifespan, and don't have him be stuck as a dog forever. Feel to include Manny's parents though, and background Manny/Paige and Rufus/Kat are both welcome!
Suggested case types:
Investigating a theft. Investigating weird events. Going undercover for information. Rescuing a kidnapped loved one. Escaping after being captured. Retrieving a stolen amulet. Breaking a curse.
Suggested case themes:
Involving Manny: Social worries, self confidence. Lonely kids, new kids in town. Lost pets. The complexity of your best friend being a dog, the weirdness of your dog being a boy. Rescuing Paige and/or Kat.
Involving Rufus: Dog senses, dog society. Trustworthy strangers, untrustworthy strangers, loyalty and betrayals. Self repression and masking. Normal kid experiences.
Any: Dragon magic. Powers of the amulets. Previous owners of Rufus's amulet.
The things I generally appreciate in casefic are:
The process of deduction, as a reader. Playing detective, theorising about the case, putting together the clues (and red herrings), figuring out the answer.
The characters getting an opportunity to shine. Using their individual skills to overcome obstacles, trying hard and succeeding, being clever and competent (or having a hilarious fail moment - but winning in the end).
The themes of the case resonating with the characters' hopes, fears, or traumas, allowing them an opportunity to discuss, confront, and/or overcome them.
Navigation: DNWs | General Likes | Hurt/Comfort Likes | Smut Likes
DNDHAT: Doric/Xenk | Edgin/Doric | Edgin/Xenk | Simon/Edgin | Simon/Xenk
Henry Danger: Henry & Piper | Henry/Ray
Rufus: Kat/Rufus | Manny & Rufus
DNWs:
- 1st or 2nd person POV
- Cheating
- Breakups
- Noncon
- Major character death
- Gore
- Vore
- Bestiality, sex while in animal form
- Scat, watersports, vomit in a sexual context (non-sexual vomiting is fine)
- Underage sex (18+ only)
- Canon characters explicitly depicted as aromantic or asexual
- For DNDHAT: Edgin/Holga, Kira/anyone. Past Holga/Marlamin is fine; past Edgin/Zia is fine.
- For Henry Danger: Piper's crush on Kid Danger (inc mentions); Henry/Ray getting together or Ray having feelings for Henry before Henry is 17; implied sex while underage (18+ only; kissing before that is fine)
- For Rufus: sexual content, even implied (kissing is fine); references to the animals' lifespans; Rufus and/or Kat being permanently stuck in animal form
General Likes:
- Fluff. Domestic fluff. Hopeful spring vibes. Cosy autumn or winter vibes. Rainy evenings in. Lazy sunny mornings. Cooking together, eating together. Playing board games. The daily routines of travelling together longterm.
- Banter. Getting together. Established relationship. Found family. Characters showing affection in their own way. Groups amusing themselves with jokes and stories while spending every day together. Characters trusting in each other's skills. Competence kink.
- Cheek touches. Hand on the back of the neck. Hugs and cuddling. Cheek kisses. Forehead kisses. (Platonic versions welcome!)
- Holding hands. Kisses described in loving detail. Brushing fingers over lips. Size difference (if canon).
- Angst with a happy ending. Hurt/comfort. Mutual pining. Repression and self-denial. Intense sense of duty or loyalty. Complicated family legacies. Self-esteem issues.
- Dreams and nightmares. Shared dreams. Prophetic dreams, dreams of future soulmate. Nightmares of past trauma.
- Truth spells. Telepathic bonds. Soulbonds, accidental or deliberate. Magical tattoos that show connections: soulmate marks, pistilverse, etc.
- Kidfic, of the canon character being de-aged type. Kidfic, of the having and caring for children type. Pregnancy, including mpreg. Pregnancy fluff: anticipating child, preparing, taking care of pregnant partner. Pregnancy angst: worrying about being a good parent, worrying about the birth (esp for mpreg). Pregnancy hurt/comfort: morning sickness, pampering partner.
- Forced proximity: stuck in a prison cell together, only one bed, trapped by a cave-in, hiding in a closet, handcuffed together, magic spell, etc.
- Sparring and combat tutoring. Character A defending character B with character B's weapon.
Hurt/Comfort Likes:
- Emotional hurt/comfort. Physical hurt/comfort. Whump. Mild hurt/comfort.
- Nightmares. Flashbacks. Crying. Staying with character B as they fall asleep.
- Impact bruises. Being manually choked. Twisted ankles.
- Stab wounds. Arrow wounds. Pulling the arrow out. Nosebleeds as fight injury. Grazes and abrasions.
- Magical torture, psychic torture, and other kinds of pain inflicted without harming the body.
- Bedside vigils. Holding injured character close. Carrying or supporting someone who can't walk. Character A catching character B as they collapse (even if character A isn't strong enough to hold them up and just helps slow their descent to the floor). Helping injured character undress, remove armour, etc.
- Seasickness. Morning sickness. "Oh no, that thing you just ate was poisoned." Vomiting in the context of hurt/comfort - the loss of control, the pain of throwing up, the vulnerability of being seen that way - whether due to nausea, induced by emetic, or induced by fingers (theirs or partner's). Not interested in the vomit itself, though fine to mention it looks/smells/tastes gross.
- Struggling through sex pollen/an omegaverse heat/etc without having sex, only giving non-sexual comfort for the symptoms.
- Premature ejaculation. Erectile dysfunction. Shame over sexual desires.
- The awkward vulnerability of comfort requiring a new level of intimacy.
- Stern/gruff characters making tiny gestures as a comforter and the comfortee understanding that significance. A comforter understanding when the comfortee only wants tiny gestures, and the comfortee being grateful for that understanding. People who are comfortable with each other giving and accepting large amounts of comfort.
- Stoic hurt characters refusing to break down. Stoic hurt characters letting it all out.
- I love both the hurt and comfort parts of the equation! Go heavy on one part and less on the other, or have an equal mix of both.
Smut Likes:
- Positions: Missionary, riding and other face-to-face positions, for eye contact and/or lots of kissing. But spooning pairs well with gentle sex, and oral fingering's probably more easily done from behind.
- Locations: In bed, in a chair, against a wall, on the floor... In the bedroom, in the living room, in an alley, in a forest, in a dungeon, on a ship, on the victorious battlefield... Basically anywhere? Yeah.
- Acts: Anal sex, including het anal. Vaginal sex. Loss of virginity. First time bottoming. Pegging. Strap-ons. Deepthroating. Oral fingering. Kissing during sex. Breastplay (fondling, gently squeezing, kissing). Nippleplay (pinching, kissing, licking).
- Moods: Gentle sex. Tender sex. Fluffy sex. Hurt/comfort sex. Sex with lots of feelings. Vulnerability and trust.
- BDSM: Dom/sub. Bondage. Pinned down. Kneeling. Collaring. Praise kink. Orgasm delay/edging. BDSM AUs.
- Dubcon: Sex pollen. Fuck or die. Sex caused by magic or to perform magic. Pining during dubcon. (Whether they admit their feelings during, after, or not at all.) Having to trust each other with the unexpected intimacy. Worrying about being so vulnerable but being kind to each other and coming out stronger on the other side.
- Size kink and stretching: Big cocks. Painful penetration. Lots of foreplay/prep, slow and gentle penetration so it isn't painful. Large object insertions. Sounding.
- Omegaverse: Alpha/Omega. Painfully big alpha dicks. Knotting. Sexy pheromones. Pheromones that communicate fear, or anger, or other emotions. Alpha pheromones that make the omega feel safe, or protected, or calm.
- An undercover situation requires them to fuck while being watched, but they successfully fake it - except the kisses, the touches, the proximity, and the "is it okay if I..." questions whispered right in each other's ears were all very real. And some of those moans didn't sound fake. Either they're so wound up they fuck for real once they're no longer being watched, or the feelings keep simmering until they boil over later.
Doric/Xenk Yendar
We don't really get any focused moments between these two in the film, but Doric actually seems like the least hostile to Xenk from the beginning - ironic considering her stance on humans started as "hateful and selfish" and "just can't help but lie"... but then Xenk and his ridiculous paladin goodness are so obviously the opposite of that! If Xenk joined the party for further adventures, I like to imagine they'd become good friends, and then fall in love (maybe after mutually pining).
I love Doric's combination of a sharp tongue with her moral integrity and intense environmental concern, and how that contrasts and blends with Xenk's stern intensity, his awkward ways, and his own intense sense of justice and goodness. They're both visibly outsiders in ways the others aren't, so maybe they would have a natural understanding - or they'd bond over the angst of losing their families because of it. And between their outsider status and Xenk's sense of duty, I tend to imagine they're both virgins.
(Please don't mention Simon and Doric breaking up. I'd rather you give them an open relationship, make it an AU where they were never into each other, or just ignore that ship altogether.)
Suggested case types:
Heists, reverse heists. Dungeon delving. Investigating a theft. Tracking down a missing person. Going undercover for information. Going undercover for a heist. Infiltrating a masquerade ball. Investigating the spookiness at a spooky location. Retrieving a magical artifact. Breaking a curse. Escaping after being captured.
Suggested case themes:
Involving Doric: Threats to nature or the environment. Friendly animals. Inventive wildshaping. Anti-tiefling prejudice. Outsiders finding acceptance. Hiding or revealing one's true form, or being forced to do so.
Involving Xenk: Red Wizards, other necromancers, other necromancy victims. Aftereffects of the Beckoning Death, encountering other dark magic. Good paladins, corrupt paladins, paladin vows. Holding to principles in the face of moral dilemmas. Magical artifacts with an unexpected sting in the tail. Anti-Thayan prejudice.
Any: Undercover as a couple. Magically handcuffed together.
You're welcome to use only magic and creatures and solutions that are possible in-game, if sticking to the bounds of D&D brings you joy - but also feel free to invent whatever new spells and mechanisms and situations you need for your story if that suits you better!
Edgin Darvis/Doric
While trying to recruit her, Edgin was definitely using all his charm (although not in a sexual way) but Doric seemed utterly immune to it. I loved the tender moment when Edgin was sitting on the rock on the beach: his little smile as she walked over, the way she gently patted his shoulder and he patted hers in return, and she smiled back. Maybe his charm would be more welcome now they have a genuine connection, or maybe she'd be the one to instigate it.
I love that Doric is so committed to doing good and looking after nature, but that she doesn't let the rules stand in her way. And she has a very sharp tongue, in contrast to Edgin's silver one. Edgin thinks of himself as a thief and a lawbreaker, and is maybe trying to pretend he doesn't enjoy doing good as much as he actually does. He uses humour and a charming mask to hide his pain, but Doric absolutely doesn't fall for it - even if she'll be soft when he finally lets himself be vulnerable. But is she prepared to be vulnerable in return?
(Please don't mention Simon and Doric breaking up. I'd rather you give them an open relationship, make it an AU where they were never into each other, or just ignore that ship altogether.)
Suggested case types:
Heists, reverse heists. Dungeon delving. Investigating a theft. Tracking down a missing person. Going undercover for information. Going undercover for a heist. Infiltrating a masquerade ball. Investigating the spookiness at a spooky location. Retrieving a magical artifact. Breaking a curse. Escaping after being captured.
Suggested case themes:
Involving Doric: Threats to nature or the environment. Friendly animals. Inventive wildshaping. Anti-tiefling prejudice. Outsiders finding acceptance. Hiding or revealing one's true form, or being forced to do so.
Involving Edgin: A father separated from his daughter. A daughter separated from her father. Good Harpers, corrupt Harpers. Suspiciously charming bards. Music as magic, music as solution. Ghosts of lost loved ones, metaphorical or literal.
Any: Undercover as a couple. Magically handcuffed together.
You're welcome to use only magic and creatures and solutions that are possible in-game, if sticking to the bounds of D&D brings you joy - but also feel free to invent whatever new spells and mechanisms and situations you need for your story if that suits you better!
Edgin Darvis/Xenk Yendar
These two have such a great dynamic. I love their banter and how they spark with each other - Xenk and his literal mind bouncing off Edgin's usual wordplay, still prompting smiles in each other, even as they clash over Edgin's thievery and Xenk's paladin ways. That contrast somehow settles to a comfortable blend, with Edgin reluctant for Xenk to leave. And I love how touchyfeely they are - Edgin in general, and Xenk with all his (offers of) handholding... Pressing his hand to Edgin's on the Harper's seal, pulling him up after saving him, their earnest handshake as they prepare to part. So much touching! And so much banter! But they also challenge each other to grow, and I'd love to see how their relationship develops after the film, with a softer friendship blossoming into romance.
Despite his 20 minutes of screentime, Edgin's narrative arc is so bound up with Xenk. Edgin's been projecting this image of a cheerful, charming leader for so long, hiding his deep trauma over Zia with quips and songs. He's focused all of his pain into hating the Red Wizards, blaming Thayans for his loss - maybe because it's easier than blaming himself. But then he meets Xenk, a Thayan so noble and innocent that it shatters Edgin's foundation. And Edgin can't even console himself with the idea that anyone in his position would've been tempted by that gold - because again, Xenk is so pure and moral, and proves that people can be better. Even makes Edgin promise to be more than a common thief, reigniting his old Harper heroism. Xenk is the pivot point of Edgin's growth and healing.
Xenk's own angst is mostly implied, a subtext to the fascinating details we get. He's a paladin, a holy warrior, so strict in protecting others - but he's also a Thayan, a hated outsider, visibly marked by necromantic magic. I love the tension in him being both blessed and cursed. Does Xenk feel the need to be the perfect paladin to balance out the terrible opinions people have about Thayans? Once people have accepted his cursed nature, do they tend to place him on a pedestal, glorifying him as a legendary paladin instead? He glides away from the crowd's praise after saving that catbaby; his retort to Edgin's anti-Thayan sentiment is not to defend himself, but to speak of other Thayans, innocents turned into monsters. Does he think of himself as a monster? But Xenk is so kind and caring, risking himself to save Edgin - and so stern and serious, rigidly sticking to his moral framework. Does he feel bound by his duty, by his paladin vows - even to the point of repressing his own wants, needs and hopes? Does he feel he has to earn his own humanity, by so harshly rejecting his own partially undead nature, by being such a paragon of virtue? Does Xenk feel like he can't be less than perfect? Maybe his insistence that Edgin can be a better man is a reflection of Xenk's need to believe in his own goodness.
With all of those worries swirling around, these two could slip so deep into mutual pining. Maybe Xenk thinks he can't be with anyone because of his duty as a paladin, or because the Beckoning Death has left him cursed, partially undead, lacking part of his soul, etc. Maybe Edgin finds out Xenk is a virgin and assumes the guy isn't interested in sex at all. (I do headcanon Xenk as a virgin.) Or Edgin thinks Xenk's too noble and pure to want a criminal like him, or thinks Xenk wants someone more serious or more intellectual. Xenk thinking Edgin's too charming and sociable to want someone as awkward and unbending as him... I love the angsty possibilities of all this, the two of them keeping their feelings secret even as they're practically bursting with longing. And when combined with their touchyfeely natures - they must be torturing each other!
Established relationship and getting together both welcome. Edgin's lingering angst over Zia is fine. I'm open to both autistic Xenk and/or ADHD Edgin, or neurotypical depictions. I mainly see Xenk as being sworn to justice, as a general concept, rather than a specific god - but feel free to pick one, if it suits the themes of your work. (Like, Ilmater is a great choice if Xenk is suffering, whether in whump or in sexy painplay.) And feel free to include any or all of the party!
Suggested case types:
Heists, reverse heists. Dungeon delving. Investigating a theft. Tracking down a missing person. Going undercover for information. Going undercover for a heist. Infiltrating a masquerade ball. Investigating the spookiness at a spooky location. Retrieving a magical artifact. Breaking a curse. Escaping after being captured.
Suggested case themes:
Involving Edgin: A father separated from his daughter. A daughter separated from her father. Good Harpers, corrupt Harpers. Suspiciously charming bards. Music as magic, music as solution. Ghosts of lost loved ones, metaphorical or literal.
Involving Xenk: Red Wizards, other necromancers, other necromancy victims. Aftereffects of the Beckoning Death, encountering other dark magic. Good paladins, corrupt paladins, paladin vows. Holding to principles in the face of moral dilemmas. Magical artifacts with an unexpected sting in the tail. Anti-Thayan prejudice.
Any: Undercover as a couple. Magically handcuffed together.
You're welcome to use only magic and creatures and solutions that are possible in-game, if sticking to the bounds of D&D brings you joy - but also feel free to invent whatever new spells and mechanisms and situations you need for your story if that suits you better!
Simon Aumar/Edgin Darvis
I love how Edgin is absolutely convinced of Simon's potential badassery (he has a mental list of all the times Simon's magic worked!) and how he's determined to make Simon believe it too - and this, for some reason, involves touching Simon's face a lot. Simon is awkward and sulky in the face of this, even though he's perfectly willing to trust Edgin and follow his lead in other areas - maybe Simon is pining, and can't let himself believe that Edgin cares about him, or is worried about opening his heart? Depending on the situation, maybe Edgin feels too weird about the age difference, and doesn't want to take advantage of Simon... until something pushes them together. Could be post-canon, or a missing adventure any time from Simon first joining Edgin's crew of thieves up to Korinn's Keep.
(Please don't mention Simon and Doric breaking up. I'd rather you give them an open relationship, make it an AU where they were never into each other, or just ignore that ship altogether.)
Suggested case types:
Heists, reverse heists. Dungeon delving. Investigating a theft. Tracking down a missing person. Going undercover for information. Going undercover for a heist. Infiltrating a masquerade ball. Investigating the spookiness at a spooky location. Retrieving a magical artifact. Breaking a curse. Escaping after being captured.
Suggested case themes:
Involving Edgin: A father separated from his daughter. A daughter separated from her father. Good Harpers, corrupt Harpers. Suspiciously charming bards. Music as magic, music as solution. Ghosts of lost loved ones, metaphorical or literal.
Involving Simon: Aumar family members, Aumar family legacy. Successful wizards. The struggles of sorcery. Successful sorcerers. Giant magical libraries, lost libraries. Cursed with bad luck. Self-esteem as charm magic, charm magic from enchanted mirror.
Any: Undercover as a couple. Magically handcuffed together.
You're welcome to use only magic and creatures and solutions that are possible in-game, if sticking to the bounds of D&D brings you joy - but also feel free to invent whatever new spells and mechanisms and situations you need for your story if that suits you better!
Simon Aumar/Xenk Yendar
In the film, Simon mostly seems to get on Xenk's nerves (being sarcastic! destroying the bridge!) but he's not doing it on purpose and I really think if they spent more time together they could become good friends - and then fall in love. Despite his initial jealousy, Simon is eager for Xenk to stay at the end. Under his sarcasm, his awkwardness, and his occasional sulkiness, Simon is rather sweet and kinda adorable. And once you see past his stern manner and paladin morals, Xenk is kind and actually sorta awkward too.
I like the idea that they're both a bit dorky, deeply interested in niche subjects, in a way none of the others understand. But I think they could find some common ground. But maybe Simon worries that Xenk doesn't like him, or doesn't respect him? And Xenk isn't great at social interaction, so he might not realise Simon feels that way, or might not know how to explain that he actually does care. I can see them both as virgins (due to Simon's awkwardness and Xenk's duty/angst) and maybe worries about intimacy would result in mutual pining?
(Please don't mention Simon and Doric breaking up. I'd rather you give them an open relationship, make it an AU where they were never into each other, or just ignore that ship altogether.)
Suggested case types:
Heists, reverse heists. Dungeon delving. Investigating a theft. Tracking down a missing person. Going undercover for information. Going undercover for a heist. Infiltrating a masquerade ball. Investigating the spookiness at a spooky location. Retrieving a magical artifact. Breaking a curse. Escaping after being captured.
Suggested case themes:
Involving Simon: Aumar family members, Aumar family legacy. Successful wizards. The struggles of sorcery. Successful sorcerers. Giant magical libraries, lost libraries. Cursed with bad luck. Self-esteem as charm magic, charm magic from enchanted mirror.
Involving Xenk: Red Wizards, other necromancers, other necromancy victims. Aftereffects of the Beckoning Death, encountering other dark magic. Good paladins, corrupt paladins, paladin vows. Holding to principles in the face of moral dilemmas. Magical artifacts with an unexpected sting in the tail. Anti-Thayan prejudice.
Any: Undercover as a couple. Magically handcuffed together.
You're welcome to use only magic and creatures and solutions that are possible in-game, if sticking to the bounds of D&D brings you joy - but also feel free to invent whatever new spells and mechanisms and situations you need for your story if that suits you better!
Henry Hart & Piper Hart
Across the seasons and as they grow, these two go through so many stages, and I'm fascinated by all of them. Intially, Piper is the screechy, volatile foil to goofy, earnest Henry - the tattletale that threatens his exciting new job, but also the anchor of his protective urges. As Henry settles into being a sidekick, he grows in confidence - more openly fond of her, more prone to flashes of mischief, even as he becomes more secretive and scarred; while Piper learns to control her outbursts, becoming more emotionally steady, settling into scathing wit and calmer demands - that playful annoyance blending to a fresh balance between them. Then as the stress and trauma really starts to weigh on Henry, his personal life suffering under the burdens of his superhero duties, Piper blooms to a new maturity - confident and polished as a popular influencer, rising as he struggles. And finally, when Piper becomes Henry's confidante at last, her forceful personality and frustrating persistence make her a practical and reliable ally - just as her brother faces his biggest tests. I have so many feelings about it all. Their sibling relationship feels so real to me - sometimes fighting, often bickering, usually weary of each other, but always backed by an unshakeable foundation of affection.
Henry's care for Piper is especially obvious and I find that adorable. For a cheeky teenage boy, he tells Piper he loves her surprisingly often - and surprisingly sincerely. Whenever Piper is threatened, Henry is immediately horrified and desperate to save her; he's a superhero sidekick who saves people every day, but Piper is the one he's most consistently (and most intensely) protective of. No matter how much she gets on his nerves, when Piper really needs him Henry will leap to her defence. And when she's sad, Henry is soft and tenderly reassuring, even when he still fears her temper - his gentle talk with her at the start of JAM Session is so cute. Despite their friction, Piper really brings out his sweet side. Carefully supporting her in Spoiler Alert! Coaching her basketball team! Guiding her when she's sleepwalking in Holey Moley! Breaking down in Danger Games after zapping her! I just love how much he loves her, even when she makes it hard, even when his life is hard.
Obviously their parents and the wider Hart family dynamic influences their sibling relationship. The plot demands that Kris and Jake be oblivious, because otherwise Henry couldn't hide his secret life, and that neglect is played for comedy - but that undercurrent has real impact on their children's personalities. Kris and Jake are inconsistent with both affection and discipline - sometimes draconian, sometimes permissive, sometimes loving, sometimes distant. Not only do they take days to notice one of their kids has vanished, but they're often absent themselves, physically or emotionally - Kris is frequently away, clearly cheating on Jake. Sometimes they force their kids to act like the parents. And sometimes they rise above the sitcom jokery to undeniably horrible treatment: in Charlotte Gets Ghosted, we're told they shut Henry and Piper in one bedroom, gave them food then confiscated that food, leaving them locked in together overnight, just to throw a party. The show might dance around it, Kris and Jake may frequently be amusing, but they are not good parents. Is it any wonder that Piper is so unruly, so desperate for attention, so judgemental of Henry when she grew up in that atmosphere?
Piper is such an abrasive character but I genuinely love her, even when she's being a brat. She is just always so completely herself. But under that bravado, there's a heart-tugging vulnerability - she's aching for affection, for validation, so concerned with chasing superficial status and ephemeral fame that she rebuffs her brother's earnest tenderness. I have so many feelings about that scene where Henry shows Piper his Fred Lobster shirt, so eager to display his pride in her, but she can't see the gesture as anything but deeply uncool - yet still gleefully clasps his hand when her commercial comes on. There's such a great tension in Piper worshipping the cool hero Kid Danger while dismissing Henry as a tragic dork - and it's only when she learns his secret that she can really understand and appreciate the whole person her brother is. And I love the bond they develop after that - it's so good to see them just hanging out and drinking soda together in Remember the Crimes. But even before that, while Henry is mostly the one showing affection, Piper does have her moments - like offering to invite her friends so he can throw a cooler party. And whenever he comforts her and she opens up to him, that shows how deeply she trusts him. Who else in her life has earned that? And she might not know it, but he's also the person she'll eagerly go to bat for - jumping into the firing line to help Kid Danger in Spoiler Alert, Stuck in Two Holes, Diamonds are for Heather, The Great Cactus Con... and even moreso once she joins the team. Their relationship is tender, messy, supportive, challenging, ever changing, always strong - I love all of those aspects separately, and in combination, at every stage we see across the years.
This show often has its characters behave callously for comedic effect - being dismissive, ignoring hurts - and I'm fine with a little of that. But ultimately I want to feel that they care about each other, even if Piper is being bratty - or Henry is frustrated with her. Likewise I'm fine with comedic portrayals of their parents, ignoring the dark subtext there, but you're also welcome to depict Kris and Jake as neglectful and/or emotionally abusive. (Up to the level of Charlotte Gets Ghosted, or thereabouts; I'd prefer it not be unrelentingly dark though, as I think it's important that Kris and Jake can be affectionate at other times, even if the better periods are only implied.) But I DNW any mention of young Piper's crush on Kid Danger, even as a joke; please pretend that never happened. Platonic affection is great though - from casual "love you!"s, to meaningful ones, to holding hands, cheek kisses or forehead kisses, hugs or cuddling - there's some of that in canon, but you're welcome to push it further. Even Piper trying to soothe an injured Henry, or Henry carrying an injured Piper in his arms - you can go harder on the hurt than Nickelodeon could, but please no gore or anything really terrible happening, especially to young Piper. You're welcome to set this at any point during the show, or Henry's time in Dystopia, or even post-movie - I just want more of Henry and Piper being siblings. But feel free to include the rest of the Man Cave crew too!
Suggested case types:
Investigating a theft. Investigating weird events around Swellview. Going undercover for information. Stakeouts. Tracking down a missing person. Rescuing a kidnapped teammate.
Breaking into a villain's fortified lair. Escaping after being captured. Proving innocence after being framed for villainy.
Suggested case themes:
Involving Henry: The tension of normal life vs superhero life. Little blond kids that need protecting. Wanting to protect Piper. Permanent loss of hypermotility, temporary loss of forcefield. Anxiety pollen. Coming of age. Flower knowledge.
Involving Piper: Superheroism without superpowers. Internet savviness. Driver's license. Police contacts, criminal contacts. The Man Fans being unhelpfully helpful, the Man Fans getting dangerously close to the truth. The two sides of Henry, helping hide Henry's identity, creating her own superhero identity. Rescuing Ray.
Any: Neglectful parents, irresponsible parents. Traumatised superheroes.
As the case will require them to work together, I'd prefer Piper to know Henry is Kid Danger - but if you want to include an AU discovery where she finds out at a younger age, that's totally fine. And if Piper needs an excuse to be publicly helping Kid Danger, she could do that in her capacity as President of the Man Fans, or disguise herself as Rolling Thunder (preferably minus the rollerskates), or to create a new and fully fledged superhero identity (maybe with her own gumballs from Schwoz).
My fave canon villains are:
Drex, for genuine peril, and existential threats to Henry's role as sidekick
Jeff, for light-hearted comedic plots
Dr Minyak, for a balance between comedy and medium peril
Also Rick Twitler for intellectual machinations, Frankini and Goomer for tropey campness, Kyle for Henry having a great time...
But feel free to invent your own original villain that fits the themes/plot of the story you want to tell!
This show already has some stupid science so don't feel like you need to be realistic and accurate here. From the background stuff like zapping and gumballs, which they use all the time and never explain, to plot-crucial things like zeridium as a power source, I will happily roll with it. If you tell me the Donkatron needs to be sprayed with iodine to stabilise the neutron flow, I am ready to see how my blorbos break into the villain's lair with iodine bottle in hand. As long as the story follows the logic you establish, it doesn't need to follow real world logic - unless you want it to.
Henry Hart/Ray Manchester
Whatever's going on here, these two are clearly more than hero and sidekick. They can't keep their hands off each other - touching shoulders, clutching wrists, hugging - and they're both blase about Henry climbing across Ray's body. They're completely on each other's wavelength, always quipping and egging each other on. They're a team, they're in their own world, separate from everyone else and special to each other. They literally say "I love you"! The shippy vibes start ridic and just continually escalate, it's unhinged. So many times I've paused to go "wait, did they really" - and yes, they really. None of this was an accident. By the Danger Force era, it might be played for laughs, but it's clearly not a joke. Henry and Ray is framed as a romance and we're meant to see it.
The first episode says Henry is completely average, but he's clearly so much more. He's charming, though often goofy. He's not a genius, but he's adaptable and quick on his feet. He's sweet and caring, though sometimes smug. And he's brave, even self-sacrificing, giving up his childhood to be Kid Danger - willing to give his life for Ray. Plus, like, you've seen grown up Henry, right? Holy shit, no wonder Ray drools all over himself.
Ray is weirdly likeable, though he's immature, arrogant, volatile and selfish - often oblivious or thoughtless, but rarely malicious. I'd prefer a "jerk with a heart of gold" interpretation; I don't want him taking advantage of Henry on purpose. When crunchtime comes, he will put others first - before Henry threw him off that blimp, Ray was insistent he'd be the martyr. And under that manchild veneer, I think there's complexity lurking. After being densitised at eight years old, Ray's father isolated him for superhero training. Does that mean he has difficulty relating to anyone outside of a hero-rescuee structure? Does being so removed mean he struggles with empathy? Maybe it explains why he's so afraid of ageing - he doesn't want to admit that the childhood he never had is over - and why his scale of what's appropriate for a teenage sidekick is so, well, inappropriate.
This show often has its characters behave callously for comedic effect - being dismissive, ignoring hurts - and I'm fine with a little of that. But ultimately I want to feel that they care about each other, so please have them be kind if the problem is serious. (This applies to Charlotte, Jasper, Schwoz and Piper too - and you're welcome to include any of them. Though please not Piper's crush on Kid Danger.) I don't want Henry and Ray getting together before Henry is 17 (though it's fine if Henry has feelings before that) and I don't want them having sex before Henry is 18 (though kissing is welcome). Ray reflexively calling Henry "kid" is fine, even during sex, as long as it's clear Henry is an adult - though if it is during sex, I'd expect Henry to disapprove. (I'm not looking for ageplay or agekink here.) But I'm fine with acknowledging there are unhealthy aspects to their relationship, and the age difference, though I don't want it to be damaging - I want to believe they can build something positive. And if that's unrealistic, well, it's a show about superheroes. Getting together and established relationship both welcome, and I'm fine with your work being set during Danger Force - or an AU where Henry never went to Dystopia.
Suggested case types:
Investigating a theft. Investigating weird events around Swellview. Going undercover for information. Stakeouts. Tracking down a missing person. Rescuing a kidnapped teammate.
Breaking into a villain's fortified lair. Escaping after being captured. Proving innocence after being framed for villainy.
Suggested case themes:
Involving Henry: The tension of normal life vs superhero life. Little blond kids that need protecting. Wanting to protect Piper. Permanent loss of hypermotility, temporary loss of forcefield. Anxiety pollen. Coming of age. Flower knowledge.
Involving Ray: Irresponsible scientists. Isolated children, missed childhoods. Stupid disguises, silly costumes, cool and attractive costumes. Undercover as a couple. Magically handcuffed together. Temporary loss of indestructibility. Truth serum, vulnerable honesty. Rescuing Piper.
Any: Neglectful parents, irresponsible parents. Traumatised superheroes.
My fave canon villains are:
Drex, for genuine peril, and existential threats to Henry/Ray's sidekick-superhero status
Jeff, for light-hearted comedic plots
Dr Minyak, for a balance between comedy and medium peril
Also Rick Twitler for intellectual machinations, Frankini and Goomer for tropey campness, Kyle for Henry having a great time...
But feel free to invent your own original villain that fits the themes/plot of the story you want to tell!
This show already has some stupid science so don't feel like you need to be realistic and accurate here. From the background stuff like zapping and gumballs, which they use all the time and never explain, to plot-crucial things like zeridium as a power source, I will happily roll with it. If you tell me the Donkatron needs to be sprayed with iodine to stabilise the neutron flow, I am ready to see how my blorbos break into the villain's lair with iodine bottle in hand. As long as the story follows the logic you establish, it doesn't need to follow real world logic - unless you want it to.
Kat/Rufus
Literal black cat/golden retriever couple! Well, okay, golden labrador. But these two are adorable and they have such soft, fun chemistry. I love how aloof, dismissive Kat slowly warms up to Rufus as she learns to set her prejudices aside and enjoy who he really is - and how she becomes a more sincere, dependable, affectionate figure herself, that harshness and scheming melting to an intelligent and practical ally. Most of her feline traits blend with being a human teenager better than Rufus's canine ones - but I think it's cute when she lets the weirder ones shine through.
Rufus is so earnest and enthusiastic, and he's open about his interest in Kat right from the beginning. But his worries about driving her away cause him to mask his doggy urges - a pointless endeavour when Kat knows his secret all along. It's only when he lets his actual personality shine - his bravery, his loyalty, his goofy joy - that he wins her over for real. Not only is dropping the pretense healthier for both of them, but indulging their animal traits together is when they become most supportive and comfortable - they think they're opposites, but they actually fit together perfectly, understanding each other in a way neither the humans nor the other animals in their lives do. I love them playing in the yarn shop together: proof that they can connect and have genuine fun as a couple. Kat rubbing her cheek on Rufus's shoulder and purring is so cute, likewise Rufus's flustered moment near the end when Kat turns back into a girl in his arms. Even if their animal behaviours look objectively odd on human teenagers, I find the sincerity of it really appealing.
These movies both fully indulge the wackiness of the premise, but also allow the characters to have grounded and realistic feelings about the events, and I love that combo. But feel free to lean towards the silliness for some comedic fluff, or to focus on their emotions for something angsty or hurt/comfort. (I'm not a fan of embarrassment humour, but luckily the other kids love the doggy hijinks and Rufus seems to be immune to embarrassment anyway - so if you stick to that vibe, it should be fine.) No sexual content please, even implied, even if they're aged up and in human form. But closed-mouth kissing as humans is fine, and holding hands, cuddling, hair stroking, etc. Also fine with dog Rufus licking Kat's face and/or cat Kat grooming Rufus. Please don't have either one of them get stuck as an animal forever though, and no references to their animal lifespans either. But feel free to include Manny, Paige, Mr and Mrs Garcia, and so on, and background Manny/Paige is welcome as well.
Suggested case types:
Investigating a theft. Investigating weird events. Going undercover for information. Rescuing a kidnapped loved one. Escaping after being captured. Retrieving a stolen amulet. Breaking a curse.
Suggested case themes:
Involving Kat: Dependable dogs, morally grey cats. The Clowder, the Cat Elders. Navigating human society to interview witnesses or go undercover. Rescuing Manny and/or Paige.
Involving Rufus: Dog senses, dog society. Trustworthy strangers, untrustworthy strangers, loyalty and betrayals. Self repression and masking. Normal kid experiences.
Any: Dragon magic. Powers of the amulets. Previous owners of Rufus's amulet.
Manny Garcia & Rufus
I didn't expect to get so invested in their friendship but I have so many feelings about them. Rufus is so incredibly earnest, a real bundle of enthusiasm and joy as he soaks up all these newly possible experiences. The way his doggy traits translate to his human form make him an adorable oddball - it's so strange to see a teenage boy pleading for treats, nuzzling into scritches, lighting up when he sees a ball... but he's so intensely genuine about expressing his feelings that it all becomes sweet. He's also keen to pick up human ways, to keep the ruse going, but he's so irrepressibly canine that he's constantly doing the "wrong" thing - but his sincerity always makes it the right thing, at least with his favourite people. He's playful, affectionate, brave, and loyal - Rufus is a very good boy, even when he's not very good at being a boy.
Manny is the straight man to Rufus's weirdness, but he has some goofy humour of his own, a quieter kind of charisma, and he's brave and practical in the face of danger. And he has a touching vulnerability about his social position, with his insecurities leading him to hurtful words - but he's not too proud to admit his flaws, quickly apologising when he sees he was wrong. He's not a dazzling figure like Rufus, but Manny is sweet and likeable. And, let's be honest, pretty patient with Rufus's relentless energy.
These two clearly love just hanging out, playing together, spending time together. Under their unusual dog-owner dynamic, there's a strong emotional connection - one that surpasses species. Rufus is completely about Manny: he's found his best friend and he's all in on that. When he turns into a boy, Rufus uses that to gain more time with Manny, to support him in his social struggles. When he becomes the centre of attention, Rufus soaks it up - and sends it all back in Manny's direction. He's so loyal that the idea of disloyalty doesn't even exist for him. It's just so dog. But there is a sharp edge to Rufus's intense affection: he's so hungry for Manny's attention that it must be wearying sometimes. And Manny is in the impossible position of needing to maintain discipline with a pet that has opposable thumbs, no verbal filter, and puppy dog eyes that are somehow even bigger in human form - but despite the canine whirlwind of chaos, Manny is desperate not to lose any part of what they have, tearfully begging Rufus to be alright when he thinks the dart hit him.
I love how these movies both fully indulge the wackiness of the premise, but also allow the characters to have grounded and realistic feelings about the events. Feel free to lean towards the silliness for some comedic fluff, or to focus on their emotions for something angsty or hurt/comfort. (I'm not a fan of embarrassment humour, but luckily the other kids love the doggy hijinks and Rufus seems to be immune to embarrassment anyway - so if you stick to that vibe, it should be fine.) I'm also interested in the tension between the two ends of that spectrum: some doggy traits are objectively weird when Rufus is in boy form, and Manny could easily find those interactions both awkward and tenderly affectionate - like stroking Rufus's hair to comfort him even if he's a boy. I'd love to see Manny hesitantly indulging those things, embracing some of Rufus's lack of shame, letting them find meaningful connection in it. But please, no sexual content (even implied), nothing about Rufus's doggy lifespan, and don't have him be stuck as a dog forever. Feel to include Manny's parents though, and background Manny/Paige and Rufus/Kat are both welcome!
Suggested case types:
Investigating a theft. Investigating weird events. Going undercover for information. Rescuing a kidnapped loved one. Escaping after being captured. Retrieving a stolen amulet. Breaking a curse.
Suggested case themes:
Involving Manny: Social worries, self confidence. Lonely kids, new kids in town. Lost pets. The complexity of your best friend being a dog, the weirdness of your dog being a boy. Rescuing Paige and/or Kat.
Involving Rufus: Dog senses, dog society. Trustworthy strangers, untrustworthy strangers, loyalty and betrayals. Self repression and masking. Normal kid experiences.
Any: Dragon magic. Powers of the amulets. Previous owners of Rufus's amulet.